October 11, 2014, 3:45PM

August 13, 2013, 11:05AM

The ladybug, a resident of the Audubon Insectarium, averages about 1/4 of an inch long, and is a tiny creature with a big appetite. The omnivores are a farmer's friend, devouring aphids and other plant-eating pests. (Noah Simon Photo)

August 13, 2013, 11:05AM

The blue morpho, like this one seen at the Audubon Insectarium, is not only brightly colored, but makes a big impression because its wing span is larger than the palm of one’s hand. It is one of the largest butterflies in the world. (Noah Simon Photo)

July 07, 2012, 2:53PM

CATHERINE THRELKELD / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE Butterfly keeper Vincent Olivares releases butterflies at the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium for the Independence Day celebration on July 7, 2012. The Insectarium will have more butterfly releases on Sunday at 11 a.m, 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

July 07, 2012, 2:53PM

CATHERINE THRELKELD / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE Butterfly keeper Vincent Olivares releases butterflies at the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium for the Independence Day celebration on July 7, 2012. The Insectarium will have more butterfly releases on Sunday at 11 a.m, 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

July 07, 2012, 2:53PM

CATHERINE THRELKELD / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE Butterfly keeper Vincent Olivares releases butterflies as Elijah Reeves, 3, watches at the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium for the Independence Day celebration on July 7, 2012. The Insectarium will have more butterfly releases on Sunday at 11 a.m, 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

July 07, 2012, 2:53PM

CATHERINE THRELKELD / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE Butterfly keeper Vincent Olivares releases butterflies at the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium for the Independence Day celebration on July 7, 2012. The Insectarium will have more butterfly releases on Sunday at 11 a.m, 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

July 07, 2012, 2:53PM

CATHERINE THRELKELD / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE New butterflies are released at the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium for the Independence Day celebration on July 7, 2012. The Insectarium will have more butterfly releases on Sunday at 11 a.m, 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.